Reviewed By Dr. Jodi Kuhn
Reading time: 4 minutes
The way a child breathes can influence how the teeth, jaws, and face develop over time. While nasal breathing is considered the normal breathing pattern, chronic mouth breathing may affect oral development, sleep quality, and overall health.
We provide dental care for the whole family at our offices in Denver, Aurora, Thornton, and Hampden. We proudly accept Medicaid and make quality dental care accessible for every child.
Dental and Vision Care in One Convenient Location
At our Denver and Aurora locations, Youth Dentistry & Orthodontics and Youth Vision are conveniently located in the same building. This means your child can receive both dental and vision care at one familiar location, without extra travel or scheduling stress.
How Mouth Breathing Can Affect Teeth and Oral Development
Healthy nasal breathing helps support normal tongue posture. When breathing through the nose, the tongue typically rests against the roof of the mouth, helping guide jaw growth and development.
When a child breathes through their mouth for long periods, the tongue often rests lower in the mouth. Over time, this may contribute to:
- A narrow upper jaw
- A high palate
- Crowded teeth
- Bite problems
- Increased overjet
- Open bite development
- Changes in facial growth patterns
- Dry mouth
These changes often develop gradually and may become more noticeable as permanent teeth begin to erupt.
The Effects of Mouth Breathing on Oral Health
Mouth breathing can reduce the protective effects of saliva by causing the mouth to become dry.
A dry mouth may increase the risk of:
- Cavities
- Gum inflammation
- Bad breath
- Plaque buildup
Saliva helps wash away bacteria and neutralize acids in the mouth. When saliva levels are reduced, maintaining good oral health becomes more difficult.
How Mouth Breathing May Affect Sleep, Growth, and Development
The effects of mouth breathing can extend beyond the teeth and jaws.
Children who breathe through their mouth may also experience:
- Snoring
- Restless sleep
- Daytime fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Behavioral concerns related to disrupted sleep
In some children, chronic mouth breathing may be associated with sleep-disordered breathing, including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Poor sleep quality can affect mood, attention, learning, behavior, and healthy growth. Because of these potential impacts, persistent mouth breathing should not be viewed as only a dental concern.
Common Causes of Mouth Breathing
Mouth breathing often occurs when air cannot move comfortably through the nose.
Common causes include:
- Chronic nasal congestion
- Seasonal allergies
- Enlarged tonsils
- Enlarged adenoids
- Structural differences within the nose
- Airway concerns
In some cases, multiple factors may contribute to mouth breathing at the same time.
How Dentists Identify Signs of Mouth Breathing
Dentists usually see children several times a year and may be among the first healthcare providers to notice signs that mouth breathing is affecting oral development.
During an examination, your dentist may identify:
- A narrow upper jaw
- A high palate
- Crowded or crooked teeth
- Bite irregularities
- Dry oral tissues
- Inflamed gums
- Open-mouth posture
- Enlarged tonsils
While dentists do not diagnose obstructive sleep apnea or other airway disorders, they can identify signs that may warrant further evaluation. Depending on the findings, we may recommend follow-up with a pediatrician, ENT, or other healthcare provider.
Monitoring Oral Development as Your Child Grows
Breathing patterns are one of many factors that can influence how a child’s teeth and jaws develop. Regular dental exams allow early monitoring of oral development and may help identify concerns before they become more significant.
At Youth Dentistry & Orthodontics, we monitor tooth eruption, jaw growth, bite development, and oral habits throughout childhood. If signs of mouth breathing are affecting your child’s oral development, we can discuss our findings and whether additional evaluation may be beneficial.
Dentist in Hampden, CO
If you have concerns about mouth breathing, crowded teeth, jaw development, or your child’s oral health, a dental examination can help identify potential concerns and guide next steps.
To book an appointment at our Hampden location, call (720) 826-3694 or visit us at 7400 East Hampden Ave. Unit C1, Denver, CO 80231.
Other locations:
📍Youth Dentistry & Orthodontics in Denver | (303) 825-2295
📍Thornton Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics | (303) 280-8878
📍Hampden Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics | (720) 826-3694
FAQ
Can mouth breathing cause crooked teeth?
Long-term mouth breathing may contribute to crowding and bite problems by affecting jaw growth and tongue posture during development.
Should I be concerned if my child snores every night?
Regular snoring is worth discussing with your child’s healthcare provider. Snoring can sometimes be associated with enlarged tonsils, airway concerns, or sleep-disordered breathing.
Can mouth breathing be corrected?
Yes, in many cases it can. The most effective treatment depends on the underlying cause. If mouth breathing is related to allergies, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, or another airway concern, treating that issue may help a child return to nasal breathing. In some cases, additional treatment may be recommended if mouth breathing has already affected jaw development or tooth alignment.
